Support Robert & Melody in their cancer journey & recovery

Robert and Melody’s story is one of unrelenting faith in the face of indescribable pain and heartache. And this is a story that you can be a part of as well. Your participation will make a world of difference in the lives of my sister-in-law and her husband. Let me introduce you to them. This is their story:

Robert and Melody married on January 1, 2022, excited for the journey ahead and anticipating years of work, travel, and wonderful times together. So much to look forward to. So many plans and dreams. But one year and three months later, their lives were unexpectedly interrupted when they both received devastating diagnoses within just a few days of each other. Cancer.

On March 10, 2023, Robert was taken to the emergency room after experiencing significant difficulty with speech. Within hours, they knew what they were dealing with: Robert had a brain tumor in the front left quadrant (affecting his language), and would need to be operated on as soon as possible.

March 14, 2023, Robert had surgery, and the mass was removed.

Three days later, Friday, March 17, 2023, Melody was given the results from her recent mammogram: a mass had been found. That day, assigned the same oncologist, Robert and Melody sat together in the doctor’s office to receive their diagnoses at the same time:

Robert’s: glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Melody’s: left and right invasive distal carcinoma breast cancer, triple negative.

As one can imagine, this was a significant blow. After just over a year of marriage, both were now facing cancer and a difficult journey ahead.

Treatments would need to be aggressive and started as soon as possible.

In the weeks following, Robert and Melody both began treatment for their respective cancers - radiation, chemotherapy, speech and occupational therapy for Robert.

Treatment timeline:

April 14th, 2023: Melody began treatment (24 weeks, 2 different types of chemotherapy along with immunotherapy, immunotherapy continuing for one year).

April 17, 2023: Robert began treatment (6 weeks of radiation 5x a week for 6 weeks)

July 2023: Robert began the Optune, a relatively new protocol for treating brain cancer. It is designed to keep cancer cells confused and unable from forming. He continues to wear it every day for at least 18 hours. He is allowed 6 hours off. The Optune is worn while sleeping, showering, etc. There is a risk of skin breaking down and potential infection, so when changing the patches, Melody must take great care in where and how they are placed.

February 2023: Melody completed her treatments. Immunotherapy was stopped early, because it was doing more harm than good.

October 2023: Melody had a total mastectomy.

Robert and Melody managed their treatments simultaneously. Robert received positive results along the way.

Melody’s treatments were effective, but took a significant toll on her body. Prior to stopping the chemo, Melody was in constant excruciating pain, having difficulty walking or doing anything physical, while also being unable to keep any kind of food down over many months. Yet, her greatest concern was, and is, Robert and his care. Yet, she still had to concentrate on her own rest and care.

As one can imagine, the exhaustion (physical, mental, emotional) of a medical crisis like this, is intense. And if it were “just” one person within a family, it would be significantly difficult. But imagine both people within a marriage – a new marriage at that – facing life-altering diagnoses at exactly the same time.

Dealing with the effects of major surgeries and the effects of chemo and radiation made work more challenging, but Robert and Melody both powered on, pouring into their jobs every bit of energy that remained. Then, on January 8, 2024, Melody was informed her job was being terminated. Her insurance would be gone by the end of that month.

In early March, 2024, Robert began experiencing returning symptoms: speech, reading, comprehension and more were affected. His next brain scan revealed tremendous amounts of swelling and highlighted new cancer growth. Chemo was re-started immediately and a new treatment protocol began. He continues to wear the Optune as well.

March 20, 2024, Melody had her second (and final) surgery.

Which brings me to the present. So what now?

Robert’s most recent symptoms and scan results have led to the difficult decision for him to discontinue working. In light of this, Robert is in the process of filing for disability retirement. From a financial standpoint, this will greatly affect the couple’s ability to take the necessary next steps in treatment and recovery. The burden of Robert and Melody’s medical costs has been significant over the last year, and these expenses continue.

While the eventual goal is for Melody to return to the work-force, she is not physically able to return to work yet, and has been told by her doctor she may need a full year to recover, due to the toll the treatments took on her body.

Melody is not only recovering from her own cancer journey, she is also Robert’s caregiver. In Melody’s own words, “her healing and her husband’s care are the highest priority right now.”

Robert and Melody have reached a point in their lives that they could not have anticipated. Health crises for both of them. Unknowns regarding the future. Comprehensive medical costs from multiple surgeries and cancer treatments over the last year. Loss of jobs and insurance. The combination of these realities has made carrying on with necessary medical treatments extremely difficult financially.

This is where YOU come in. People around the world have been supporting Robert and Melody the last year through encouragement, bringing meals, and praying consistently for healing and for a miracle. Now, however, the need has become a financial one.

We know many people have asked how they can help as Robert and Melody walk this incredibly challenging road. Their faith is strong, and they know that God is their Provider.

We also know that sometimes God’s provision comes through people.

Would you consider giving to help Robert and Melody with medical costs and any other daily things they may need as they continue with treatment and recovery? The money that is given will be used to cover the ongoing treatment expenses, medical insurance, and living expenses, as well as any other needs that arise during this challenging time. Ultimately, we want to lift some of the financial burden that Robert and Melody are bearing.

Your gifts will help make it possible for Robert and Melody to more fully devote their energy to healing and supporting each other through this difficult time.

Thank you for helping to lighten this burden. Please continue to pray for a miracle for Robert, and for complete healing and recovery for both Robert and Melody.